Rick Jenkins

Broker
Windermere Stellar
360-903-6085
www.jenkinsgrouprealty.com

How long have you worked in Real Estate?
I first obtained my license in June of 2002. Prior to that I worked in title insurance for several years. It is also my honor to serve on the board of directors for the Regional Multiple Listing Service and chair the Rules and Regulations Committee.

What is your specialty?
I specialize in residential real estate and investment properties in SW Washington. Helping clients understand the market conditions they are in and how that relates to their financial and personal goals is something I take very seriously. Over 95% of my business is referral and repeat clients. In addition to helping people buy or sell their personal residence I have helped many with their investment properties as well.

What is one tip you have for someone looking to buy or sell a home?
Align yourself with a knowledgeable full-time professional who is active in the market place and will listen to your particular needs. Ours is a relationship that lasts long past the single transaction of a property sale so find a Realtor® you like and trust.

What is the most unique property you’ve listed or sold?
In 2009 during the recession I listed a large home in Camas with views of the river that had been a bank foreclosure. That was not the unusual part, what made this house different was that everything inside had been taken out. All of the cabinets were removed, carpet cut out, doors, sink, trim, all of it gone. Even the furnace and water heater were cut out and stolen.

What is the most challenging/gratifying aspect of what you do?
I find the greatest challenge and reward in helping people navigate difficult situations and decisions. Buying and selling a home can be a very trying event. It is my purpose to help my clients know what to expect so I can help elevate that stress.

What do you see in the future for real estate sales/prices?
The economy is relatively strong and inventory remains at record low levels which puts upward pressure on prices. The interest rates are still extremely low and I don’t see any significant change in the near future. So, I think the upward trend will continue amidst seasonal fluctuations. At some point new construction will help us out with inventory and rates will rise, at that point the market should start to slow down. So, in the short term the market will stay hot. In a few years it will slow down some.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working? Hobbies, volunteering, family, fun?
My wife Erin and I have 4 wonderful kids. We enjoy spending time with them hiking, running and exploring our beautiful Pacific NW. We live on 5 acres in Camas with some critters so there is always work to be done on the “farm”. I also enjoy fishing whenever I get the chance.

What do you like about living in this area?
The Gorge is loaded with amazing hiking opportunities that offer endless exploration and scenery. Within a matter of a few hours you can be at the coast on the beach digging clams, in the gorge discovering a new waterfall, or on a mountain playing in the snow. It’s truly a wonderful place to live, work, play and raise a family.

Anything else you would like our readers to know about you and your company?
I am honored to be affiliated with Windermere because of the ideals they embody and the people I get to work with day in and day out. It is a company that cares about the people they are privileged enough to serve. One example: the Windermere Foundation, in the first half of 2016, gave $793,000 to non-profit organizations. They have raised over $31 million in total donations since 1989! Locally, we support a number of great causes from the Children’s Justice Center to Share House and many others.